This procedure covers the replacement of both rear shock absorbers on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 4WD, including removal of the lower mounting hardware and upper mounting nuts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, stable surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. If upper shock mounts are corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear axle differential. Once raised, place jack stands under the frame rails behind the rear axle. Lower vehicle onto jack stands while keeping jack under axle for support. Remove rear wheels completely.
2. 2

   Support rear axle
   Position the floor jack under the rear axle housing near the shock being replaced. Raise jack just enough to support the axle weight and prevent it from dropping when the shock is removed. The axle should not be loaded, just supported.
3. 3

   Access upper shock mounting nuts
   The upper shock mounting nuts are accessible from underneath the vehicle on this model. Locate the upper shock mount where it passes through the frame bracket near the rear axle. Clean any dirt or debris from around the upper mounting nuts.
4. 4

   Remove upper shock mounting nuts
   Using a 15mm wrench and socket, remove the upper shock mounting nuts from the shock shaft. There may be one or two nuts depending on configuration - remove all fasteners securing the upper mount. Support the shock from below as you remove the final nut to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Support the shock absorber when removing the final upper nut to prevent it from dropping.
5. 5

   Remove lower shock mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt that secures the shock to the rear axle bracket. Using an 18mm wrench and socket, remove the lower mounting bolt and nut. Pull the bolt completely out of the mounting bracket. The shock should now be free to remove.
6. 6

   Remove shock absorber
   Pull the shock downward and out from the lower mounting bracket, then maneuver it out from the upper mounting location. Remove the shock from the vehicle. Inspect mounting bushings and hardware for wear or damage.
7. 7

   Prepare new shock absorber
   Remove new shock from packaging. Verify it matches the old shock in length and mounting configuration. If the shock has a protective cap on the shaft, remove it. Extend and compress the shock several times to prime it and verify proper operation.
8. 8

   Install new shock - upper mount
   Position the new shock with the upper shaft passing through the frame mounting bracket. Install the upper mounting nuts hand-tight. Do not fully torque at this time - this allows adjustment during lower mount installation.
9. 9

   Install new shock - lower mount
   Align the lower shock eye with the mounting bracket on the rear axle. You may need to raise or lower the floor jack slightly to align the holes. Insert the lower mounting bolt through the bracket and shock eye. Install the nut on the lower bolt and hand-tighten.
10. 10

    Torque lower shock mounting bolt
    Using an 18mm socket and torque wrench, torque the lower shock mounting bolt to 106 lb-ft (144 Nm). Hold the nut side with a wrench while torquing the bolt head to prevent spinning.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque upper shock mounting nuts
    Using a 15mm socket and torque wrench, torque the upper shock mounting nuts to 37 lb-ft (50 Nm). Ensure the shock is properly seated in the upper mount before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Reposition the floor jack to support the opposite side of the rear axle. Repeat steps 3 through 11 for the second rear shock absorber. Ensure both shocks are properly torqued before proceeding.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to 125 lb-ft (169 Nm) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting hardware is properly torqued to specification
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the work area
3. Test drive vehicle at low speeds and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle - shocks should dampen movement within 1-2 cycles with no excessive bouncing
• Inspect all mounting points for proper installation and no signs of looseness
• Verify no fluid leaks from new shock absorbers
• Road test vehicle and verify improved ride quality and no clunking or rattling noises from rear suspension

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